American alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin is no stranger to adversity, but her recent struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have shed new light on the mental toll of elite athletics. Following a violent crash during a giant slalom race in Killington, Vermont, on November 30, 2024, Shiffrin suffered a puncture wound in her abdomen and severe muscle damage.
The crash, which occurred while Shiffrin was leading the race, left her reeling both physically and mentally. As she somersaulted forward, she crashed into two gates, exacerbating the severity of her injuries. “It’s honestly kind of difficult to explain what the pain felt like,” Shiffrin wrote in The Players’ Tribune. “But the closest I can get would probably be, it was like… not only was there a knife stabbing me, but the knife was actually still inside of me.”
Battling PTSD
Shiffrin’s physical injuries were only half the battle. The crash triggered PTSD, a condition she’s still grappling with today. Shiffrin attributes her PTSD to a combination of factors, including the crash itself, a previous crash in Cortina at the beginning of 2024, and the sudden loss of her father in 2020. “Those two crashes maybe built on one another,” Shiffrin noted. “Maybe when I crashed and got that puncture wound, maybe that was kind of a perfect-storm situation for PTSD to take hold.”
The PTSD diagnosis has forced Shiffrin to confront her darkest fears and doubts. In her essay, she revealed experiencing “extremely low moments” where she’d question her motivation and consider giving up the sport altogether. “On particularly bad days, I’d question my motivation, or whether I still wanted to do this anymore,” Shiffrin confessed.
Finding Solace in Therapy and Racing
Despite the struggles, Shiffrin has found solace in therapy and returning to the sport she loves. Working with a psychologist has helped her draw connections between her recent crash and past traumas. Getting back to racing has also been therapeutic, allowing her to regain confidence and overcome the visions and images that haunted her.
“It was just continuing to get back up to the start gate,” Shiffrin wrote. “Just literally the process of going up the mountain and doing the thing I know how to do, again and again.” With each passing day, Shiffrin is getting back to a place of joy, proving to herself that she’s capable of overcoming adversity.
Triumph Over Adversity
Shiffrin’s determination paid off when she wrapped up her season with a record-extending 101st World Cup win in March. The victory marked a triumphant return to form, showcasing her resilience and dedication to the sport. As she continues to work through her PTSD, Shiffrin remains an inspiration to fans worldwide, demonstrating the power of perseverance and mental toughness.
Shiffrin’s Message of Hope
Through her essay, Shiffrin offers a message of hope to those struggling with similar issues. By sharing her story, she aims to raise awareness about PTSD and the importance of mental health support. “All I can do is smile with appreciation,” Shiffrin wrote. “Because, finally…. I feel like myself again.” “Give it best one headline “
